British fashion's new generation gets the catwalk callup

The British Fashion Council has announced its catwalk sponsorship for spring/summer 2014 and there are some must-see inclusions. Watch out for shoe designer Sophia Webster, Paula Garbese's 1205 label and Marques Almeida

he British Fashion Council Newgen finalists. Photograph: Marius Hansen

The British Fashion Council has announced the recipients of Newgen sponsorship for spring/summer 2014. Nine names have been chosen – with sponsorship for catwalk shows given to J JS Lee, Lucas Nascimento, Marques'Almeida, Simone Rocha and Sister by Sibling. Milliner Nasir Mazhar and Sophia Webster, who does shoes, will receive presentation sponsorship along with 1205 – a label designed by Paula Garbese. Liam Fahy, a shoe designer from Zimbabwe, will receive exhibition sponsorship for the first time.

Simone Rocha, A/W13 collection.

This announcement shows both subtle changes and intriguing new additions. Four recipients move from presentation to catwalk – withMarques Almeida, which has become known for its shredded denim and ontrend 90s pop-culture reference bank – particularly exciting. Webster, the ex-Nicholas Kirkwood designer, has charmed the fashion world with her sherbert-coloured shoes, so her second presentation will be a must-see. 1205 is probably the biggest news headline. Garbese launched her label last season after working with tailoring brand Kilgour for five years. It has quickly gained a buzz for its slick take on minimalism. With a Newgen presentation spot now in her hands, it will be interesting to see what she does next.

J JS LEE A/W13 collection. Photograph: Catwalking.com

Newgen, which is sponsored by Topshop, is now in its 20th year and has become known as the home of ones-to-watch in London. The committee is overseen by Sarah Mower, the Ambassador for Emerging Talent for the BFC and contributing editor to American Vogue , and the likes of Alexander McQueen, Antonio Berardi, Erdem and Christopher Kane are alumni. This latest set of designers now has the significant weight of the body behind them.